Bigfork hosts motorcycle memorial ride, poker run

Today, Bigfork is expecting more than 100 people on motorcycles to roll through town as a tribute to friends lost in a car crash and as a reason to fundraise for local veterans.

It’s the 8th annual Hogdick and Mitch Memorial Poker Run for the Vets. The event is organized by Montana Legends, a collective of motorcycle enthusiasts.

“A bunch of old guys on old bikes,” joked John ‘“JP” Pettigrew, a Legend member and event organizer.

At this year’s event, motorcyclists will kick off from the Rocky Mountain Roadhouse in Bigfork around 1 p.m. and make stops at the Tall Pine, Del’s Bar, Rainbow Bar and the Bigfork VFW. The trek will return to the Roadhouse for an auction, barbecue and raffle. Live music will begin at 5 p.m.

Camping will be available at the Roadhouse.

Signup starts at 11 a.m. The Poker Run buying in costs $10. A raffle will be drawn for a 2002 Harley Davidson Electra Glide.

Pettigrew said all money raised will go toward local veterans groups in memory of Richard “Hog Dick” Fliehler and Mitchell Kopczyk who passed away May 23, 2009, near Bigfork in a car crash.

He said both men were tied to the Flathead community and continuing their effort is a way to honor their life.

Last year, the Montana Legends gave away roughly $11,650 in donations to veteran-related services. Roughly $7,000 of that went to the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Bank and another $1,000 went toward scholarships for veterans attending Flathead Valley Community College.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.